Former CT Woman Admits to War Crimes to Secure U.S. Citizenship

BREAKING: A former Connecticut resident has just pleaded guilty to lying about her involvement in war crimes to gain U.S. citizenship. Nada Radovan Tomanic, 53, who formerly lived in Hartford, took a plea deal on Monday, January 15, 2024, in federal court in Bridgeport, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

This urgent case highlights serious security concerns regarding U.S. immigration. Tomanic, a naturalized citizen from Bosnia and Herzegovina, faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison when she is sentenced on February 3. Federal officials revealed that Tomanic served in the notorious Zulfikar Special Unit during the 1990s conflict, where she was involved in the “physical and psychological abuse” of Bosnian Serb prisoners.

In her 2012 naturalization application, Tomanic falsely denied having any involvement in a detention facility or related activities. She also misrepresented her criminal history, specifically lying about committing serious bodily harm—an offense under the laws of the former Yugoslavia.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti stated, “The defendant obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship through lies and deceit, concealing the violent crimes she committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” This statement underscores the gravity of her actions and the commitment of authorities to uphold the integrity of the immigration process.

During her interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer, Tomanic reiterated her false claims under oath, further complicating her legal situation. U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “Covering up past human rights abuses to attain U.S. citizenship is an egregious offense.”

The FBI’s P.J. O’Brien added, “Individuals who lie on their naturalization documents undermine the process for all who justly apply to be a part of our great nation.” This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding immigration fraud and the need for vigilance in protecting public safety.

As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to addressing crimes of this nature. Tomanic’s admissions of fraud have sparked outrage, not just for the deceit involved, but for her past actions targeting individuals based on ethnicity and religion.

Stay tuned as we follow this developing story. The implications of this case extend far beyond individual accountability, raising critical questions about the integrity of the immigration system and the ongoing efforts to ensure justice for those affected by past atrocities.